Public outcry prompts Nida to expand ID services at DITF

Dar es Salaam. The National Identification Authority (Nida) has been forced to relocate its operations to an open space within the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) grounds due to an overwhelming number of people seeking national ID services.

The original indoor booth proved inadequate to handle the growing crowd, prompting Nida to shift its operations to a more spacious outdoor area where tents have been set up to improve service delivery and comfort.

The new arrangement allows visitors to wait while seated, in contrast to the earlier setup, which had limited seating and left many standing in the sun.

The surge witnessed by The Citizen began on July 1, 2025, drawing complaints from members of the public about the cramped and uncomfortable conditions at the initial location.

“I came on July 2 but had to leave. I stood under the sun, and there weren’t even 20 chairs available. I felt dizzy after a while,” said a resident of Maji Matitu, Mbagala, Ms Winifrida Msangi.

Ms Msangi said she returned after learning that Nida had moved services to a larger outdoor space.

“In previous years, Nida always operated in open areas during the fair. I was surprised they chose such a small building this time,” she added.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ms Tabihita Athuman, who welcomed the relocation.

“The new setup is much better. Services are likely to move faster now. Previously, just getting into the office was exhausting due to the heat,” she said.

The relocation coincides with a spike in demand from young people, particularly recent Form Six graduates preparing to join universities, many of whom are applying for national IDs for the first time.

To accommodate the influx, Nida has added more seating to ensure people can rest while waiting to be served.

Nida’s Public Relations Manager, Mr Godfrey Tengeneza, said the relocation was necessary as the original office could not cope with the demand.

“Anyone who passed by on the first or second day saw how congested it was. We had to relocate services such as fingerprinting, photography, and immigration interviews because the space was too small and located right next to a road,” he explained.

He said the initial booth now serves as an information centre, where people can check the status of their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and ID cards, and receive guidance on online registration procedures.

Mr Tengeneza added that the Nida booth will continue operating even after the trade fair concludes.

However, ID card collection must still be done at the respective district offices.